Public Statements

Goodlatte Statement on 41st Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Decision

Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte issued the following statement on the fateful Roe v. Wade ruling that occurred forty-one years ago on this date, January 22nd.

"Along with tens of thousands of Americans from across the country who march for life on the National Mall today on the ominous anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, I stand in solidarity with them and mourn the loss of innocent life that has occurred in the wake of this decision. The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling has failed to protect the most vulnerable among us.

"As a country, we must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and allow them the fundamental human right to be born into this world. Today we remember the millions of lives lost since Roe v. Wade and renew our commitment to both protect life and encourage a society that supports it.

"Legislation aimed at protecting life is H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, sponsored by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey. This vital piece of legislation would effectively prohibit the federal funding of elective abortions by codifying the two core principles of the Hyde Amendment: a ban on federal funding for abortions and a ban on the use of federal funds for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.

"The Committee passed the bill last week and expects it to proceed to the House floor next week as one step toward the protection of life."